Published: September 20, 2008 10:30 pm      

Local hospitals expand participation for state beneficiaries

Hamilton Medical Center, Hamilton Ambulatory Surgery Center and Murray Medical Center have reached agreement to participate in CIGNA Health Care’s plan options administered under the State Health Benefit Plan effective Jan. 1, 2009.

The agreement will allow beneficiaries under the plan who have selected either CIGNA or the United Healthcare plan options to access local hospital providers.

“The hospitals’ plan participation has been expanded to offer state workers, retirees and their dependents the complete options under the State Health Benefit Plan,” said John Bowling, Hamilton Health Care System president and CEO. Hospital officials said that the CIGNA and United options offer a wide network of providers throughout the region and state, in addition to Hamilton Medical Center and Murray Medical Center.

Hospital officials are unaware of the status of discussions between CIGNA and United with local physician practices.

As always, beneficiaries are encouraged to check with their physician prior to making any election of the plan option.